No camp pushes Cowen to declare Treaty 'dead'

The Taoiseach has come under pressure from No campaigners to make it clear to EU leaders that the Lisbon Treaty is dead.

Groups supporting the No vote have said they are disturbed by European media reports that Brian Cowen told EU Commissioner Jose Manuel Barroso that he believes the Treaty is still alive.

They say this implies that a second referendum would have to be held here.

No supporters have also rejected claims that the other 26 member states can now agree a new arrangement without Ireland.

Chairperson of the People's Movement Patricia McKenna has said that even those on the Yes side, such as Labour leader Eamon Gilmore, have agreed that the EU must be told the treaty is dead.

"Without Ireland's agreement it cannot go ahead," Ms McKenna said.

"What is clear here is that if Brian Cowen refuses to get that message across then he is indicating that he is planning to have a second referendum," she added.